Eric Giroud is one of the most recognised and reputed designers in the Swiss watch industry. He has designed, independently for some of the most prestigious as well as innovative companies in Switzerland.
Eric Giroud est l'un des designers les plus reconnus et réputés dans l'industrie horlogère suisse. Il a conçu, indépendamment pour certaines des entreprises les plus prestigieuses et innovantes en Suisse.
1. What did your father do? What did your mother do? Describe your childhood.
My parents conveyed to me good values and opened my eyes at a very young age to culture, open-mindedness and tolerance. I had a wonderful childhood with caring and very loving parents.
2. As a child did you have any driving ambition? What did you want to be?
As a child, I wanted to become a musician or composer. I also liked to draw a lot. I was not an ambitious child but more of a dreamer!
3. What is your first memory as a child?
Long walks with my family in the Alps.
4. Have you ever had another profession? what did you do?
I studied music and then architecture. I worked as an architect before choosing the design route.
5. What made you choose to become a designer? who have you worked for in the past? What made you decide to go in the direction you have chosen?
At a very young age, I dreamed of creating and drawing objects, but it was around 30 years ago that the choice of becoming a designer came along. I have had the opportunity to work with brilliant and inspiring people throughout my career. The background of musician and architect helped me a lot to become a designer.
7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, how did you over come it?
When I had to close my architect's office in 1991. The arrival of the Gulf War and the ensuing crisis did not spare me. As an independent and modest architect, I was unable to cope with this crisis. I admit that after my failure in the field of music I did not recover easily. It is thanks to my entourage that I resurfaced.
8. Who has had the strongest influence on you ? who are your inspirations.?
The education and values received from my parents is a source of influence for me. It allowed me to evolve and grow. During my professional career. I was lucky to be with musicians, architects and very strong personalities. This forged my character and my values. I have been inspired by the world of the arts since my childhood and it still inspires me today. My greatest inspiration remains my curiosity.
9. What are you most proud of ?
My private life.
10. What advice would you give someone thinking of taking a similar path as you.
No advice in particular but rather first listen to the person in question because each person is different, then establish a dialogue, a meeting, an exchange.
11. Name three things on your bucket list.
I live in the present and therefore I have not thought of that yet!
12. Where do you think the industry is going to be in 10 year’s time?
No idea, but I imagine it innovative and contemporary.
You can learn more about Eric Giroud at www.ericgiroud.com